Accelerator



B. U. HILLS ACCELERATOR April 15 1924.

Filed Feb- 27'. 1922 3 Sheets-Shee?I l (ZQQ April 15 19z4.

1,490,825 B. U. HILLS ACCELERATOR Filed Feb. 27 1922 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 15 1924. 1,490,825

B. u. HILLS ACCELERATOR Filed Feb. 27 1922 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Apr. l5, i924.

narran srAras BURTON U. HILLS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

AOOELERATOR.

Application filed February 27, 1.922. Serial No. 539,611.

To (/,ZZ whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, BURTON U. HlLLs, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements n Accelerators, of which the following is a description.

My invention relates to means adapted to be manipulated by the drivers foot for controlling the throttle of a driving motor of a motor vehicle to control the operation of the vehicle, and the same also preferably includes a simple foot rest and guide for accurately determining the posit-ion of the drivers foot upon the controlling mechanism.

The invention has among its objects the production of an accelerator of the kind described which can be used entirely independent of the ordinary hand throttle commonly found on motor vehicles without disturbing or affecting the position of said hand throttle, permitting said hand control to be used in conjunction with or independently of the said accelerator whenever desired.

A further object is to produce an accelerator of the kind described that may be easily and conveniently installed, and which is applicable for different styles or kinds of carburetors. l

Another object of my invention is to produce a device of the kind described which is convenient. compact, durable, reliable, efficient and lsatisfactory for vuse wherever found applicable.

Many other objects and advantages of the construction herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosures herein given.v

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combinationv of parts herein shown and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts, k

Fig, 1 is a plan view of my device'as applied to a well known type of motor vehicle,

as viewedfrom above;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged section taken Vsubstantially on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. Il is a similar section taken substantially on the line 4:--4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a similar section taken substantially -on the line 5 5 of F ig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a section taken substantially on the line 6-6 of Fig. l; l

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of a portion of my device showing its manner of attachment to the steering column;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged section taken substantially on the line 8-8 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 is a section taken substantially on the line 9 9 of Fig. 7, and

Fig. 10 is an enlarged section taken substantially on the'line 10-10 of Fig. 2.

In the drawings, wherein I have shown the preferred form of my invention, 1 indicates an internal combustion engine, 3 a carburetor connected to the intake manifold thereof, and 2 the foot board of the motor vehicle, all of the same representing the usual or any suitable arrangement and construction. There is also shown a steering column 4, through which extend the rodsi and 6, and a central column 7 ,this being of the usual construction in the type of vehicle illustra-ted. In this construction, column 7 is operatively connected wheel (not shown), and controls the front wheels during the steering, while the rod 6 controls the throttle and rod 5 the ignition mechanism, these two latter rods being adapted to be manually operated in the usual way at a point near or adjacent the steering wheel, which, as before mentioned, is not shown.

A foot-operated or accelerator rod 8 is connected to intermediate mechanism carried by a bracket or suppo-rting means 9 mounted on the column 7 and carried thereby, said mechanism being operatively connected through a throttle rod 10 with the carburetor throttle, as shown in Fig. 3. The construction is such that the throttle rod 10 may also be controlled by the rod 6.

The foot rod 8 extends, in the construction shown, to and through the foot board 2, and is provided with an enlarged head or knob 11 at the end thereof, arranged to be conveniently engaged by the foot of the driver. The rod preferably is arranged so that it may be moved lengthwise through the floor board in operation. I have shown a foot plate 12 mounted on the oor board 2 and provided with an opening 15 through which the rod 8 extends. Generally l prefer to make the foot plate in the form of an L, with a portion 13 thereof extending transwith the steeringy head 18 and positioned in a threaded holeV 16 through the plate 12. This construction permits adjustment of the support so that the same may be iitted to the driver. After being adjusted, the same may be locked in the adjusted position by the nut 19, or equivalent means lor the purpose. This adjustable feature permits the operator to so Y regulate the height of the support that a maximum degree of comfort and convenience may be secured. In use the head 18 serves as a fulcrum for the Operators foot., while the extending portion 13 serves as a guide and accurately locates the foot in relation to the head 18. andthe head 11. on the accelerator rod8, Obviously any equivalent structure maj7 be employed for the purpose.

The accelerator bracket or support 9, which forms the support and carries the connecting mechanism between the rods 8 and 10, consists ot' clamping plates or members 20 and 21, which preferably are constructed to interenpgaege` as well as to embrace and be secured on the parts 5, 6 and 7. As shown, the plates are mounted on the parts and may be secured in place by bolts 2.2 or the equivalents, spacers 28 being positioned on the bolts between theV plates 2O and 21 so as to prevent the rods 5 and 6 'from being locked against movement when it is desired to rock t-hem back or -forth to control the throttle or ignition appara-tus. One of the parts of the bracket 9, as shown part 20, is provided with an extending side portion 24, which carries a part of the intermediate connecting mechanism to be hereinafter described, and there is also provided Van extending part or ear 31, which likewise carries a portion of the intermediate connecting mechanism.

To align the parts and maintain them against relative movement, I have arranged the two plates so that they interengage. As shown, openings 25 are provided in the side portion 24 of the plate 2O arranged to cooperate with tongues or lues 26 provided on the other part and projectingy into the Openings. At the opposite side the plate 2O is notched or cut in, as indicated at 25', and the pla-te 21 is arranged at 26 to engage thereat. j

The support 9 is positioned on the steering colummwith one end abutting against the throttle arm 27 carried on the `rod 6. At the opposite end of the support I arrange a collar 28, vor the equivalent, on the 'rod 6, for pret/renting movement in that direction. The'collar illustrated is open at one side, so that it may be positioned on the rod 8 without the necessity orn disconnecting the rod and sliding it therealong` from one end. It may be secured in place by a set-screw 29, or equivalent means. Generally l prefer to provide a corrugation or rib 30 on one or both of the support members, in the present instance the same being shown on the plate 2O and ot a length to extend downwardly on the part 24, thereby stiftening `the same and permitting' material of substantially light wei ght to be employed for the bracket. The bracket or support carries two connected bell crank levers BBMBLL, and 39-40, the two being mounted and movable in planes transversely to each other. Reterring particularly to Figs. 4 and 5, bell crank 33-84 is pivotally secured to the ear 31 by pin 32, or the equivalent, the same being movable in a plane transversely of the steering` column. Arm 34 ot the bell crank lever is provided with an oitset extension 35 projecting,r in the path ot movement ot the throttle arm 2T, as shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4. At the end oi? the arm 34 is arranged a link 36, which is adjustably secured to the arm by a small bolt 38 or its equivalent, the free end oit' the link being pivotally connected to the trottle rod 10, so that movement of the bell crank lever will control the movement of the trottle rod 10 and the carburetor throttle. By adjustably secur ing the link 36 to the arm 34, the same may be adjusted as desired. so as to make the device applicable to different makes of carburetors. Varying the adjustment ot the link obviously varies the connection of the throttle rod and the bell crank lever arm. Thisv is orp importance and a desirable feature and affords considerable variation in installation.

The bell crank lever with arms 39-40 is pivotally mounted on the pivot pin 41, carried on the extension 24, this arm being movable in aI plane substantially paralled with the steering column and with the foot 'rod or transversely to the movement of the bell crank lever 33-34 or throttle rod 10. The arms 33 and 40 of the bell cranks are connected b va link 42, orthe equivalent.y in any suitable manner. As shown by ball and socket joints so that they are universally movable, the links being` provided with the balls or spherical ends 43 and the arms provided with socket members 44. Obviously movement of rod 8 and pivotal movement of the bell crank lever 39-40` in one plane Will be transmitted to provide a pivotal movement of the bell crank lever 33-34 and rod 10 in a plane transversely thereto. Suitable means are preferably provided for returning the parts to normal position when the foot is removed fromv the head 11 at the end of the accelerator-rod 8. As shown, a spring 45 mounted .on the pivot pin 41 en..

' gages the extension 24 and the arm 39 and tends to maintain the parts in inoperative position so that when the accelerator rod 8 is moved and then released, the parts tend to return to their initial position. y The rod 8 may be connected to] the arm 39 in any suitable manner. As shown, ay head 46 is pivoted or swiveled on the end of the arm, the same-having an opening 47 therethrough adapted to receive the end of the rod 8. Nuts 48 on opposite sides of the head and mounted on the rod secure the parts together. Obviously the effective length of the rod may be varied by adjusting the connection at the head 46.

TErom the preceding description it will be seen that operation of the foot rod 8 by the operator upon depression of the head ll will cause a lengthwise movement of the toot rod, which will be transmitted through the connecting mechanism, including the bell crank levers and links to the throttle rod l0, moving the same lengthwise, and this being connected to the'throttle of the carburetor controls the operation of the engine. The foot rest and guide previously described enables the operator to easily find the accelerator rod end and aiiord a support for the foot, enabling the accelerator to be manipulated smoothly, even on rough roads. It will be particularly noted that with this construction, while the throttle rod may be operated easily and conveniently by the throttle rod 6 on the steering column and from the steering wheel, no movement will be transmitted to the throttle rod 6 and lever on the steering wheel when the accelerator control is used. yThe device does not require any re-arrangment of the mechanism already installed on the car, but is supplemental thereto.

It is not considered necessary to set forth in detail all the advantages of the construction from the viewpoint of the user, nory is it deemed necessary to describe all kthe various modifications or adjustments that are possible. It will be noted that the device is simple in construction and may be installed by anyone without requiring the assistance of a skilled mechanic.

Having thus described lmy invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modiiications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention;

n hence I do not wish to `be understood as and the other to the other' rod, means for mounting said levers on a steering post, and universally movable connecting means operatively connecting said levers, whereby they will be operated pivotally in unison.

` 2. a vdevice of the kind described and in combination, a pair of bell-crank levers, a throttle rod, an operating rod, one of said levers connected to one of said rods and the other to the other rod, means for niittedto the other, said link having ball ends adapted to rengage in sockets at the ends of Vsaid bell-crank levers so as to give a universal movement therebetween.

4. In a device of the kind described and in combination, with the throttle rod and steering post throttle arm of a motor vehicle, an accelerator comprising a pair of cooperating parts adapted to be clamped about said steering post, means for clamping said parts together, means for rigidly spacing ysaid clamping parts, said spacing means being arranged intermediate said pair of cooperating parts and encircling said clamping means, -both of Asaid cooperating parts being adapted to bear against the throttle arm which limits its movement in one direction, and a spacing collar at the opposite f end of said cooperating part and adapted to limit its movement in the opposite direction.`

5.l In a ,device of the kind described and in combination-with the throttle rod and steering Ypostr throttle arm of a motor vehicle, an accelerator comprising a pair ot ycooperating parts adapted to ber4 clamped about said steering post, screws for clampy ing said parts together, bushings encircling said screws and arranged between said pair of cooperating parts for rigidly spacing said parts, cooperating parts being adapted to bear against the throttle arm and a spacing collar at the opposite end of said cooperating parts, whereby movement thereof in opposite direction is prevented.

6. In a device of the kind described and in combination with the throttle rod and the steering post throttle arm of a motor vehicle. an accelerator adapted to be carried by said post and comprising a reciprocatory foot rod, and means for transmitting the movement of said foot rod to said throttle rod, said means comprising a pair of bell-crank levers, one connected to said foot rod and the other to said throttle rod, said bell-crank levers being pivoted so as to move in mutually transverse planes, connecting means between said bellecrank levers whereby the pivotal movement of one will be transmitted to pivotally move the other, one of said bell-crankshaving' an offset portion tliereon normally free of but in the path of movement of the throttle arm, whereby said throttle rod may be moved by said throttle arm as well as by said foot rod.

7 In a device of the kind described and in. combination with the throttle Yrod and steering post throttle arm of a motor vehicle, an Vaccelerator adapted to be carried by said post and comprising a reciprocatory foot rod, and means :tor transmitting the movement of said foot rod to said throttle rod, said means comprising a pair ot bell crank levers, one connected to said foot rod and the other to said throttle rod said bell crank lever being pivoted so as to move in mutually transverse planes, universally movable connecting means between and connecting saidbell-crank levers whereby the pivotal movement or" one will be transmittedto pivotally move the other, one of said bell-cranks having an otlset portion thereon adjacent the steering post, and in `the path of movement of the throttle arm, so

as to be engageable therewith and moved therebyV 8. In combination with the throttle rod, and steering post throttle arm of a motor vehicle, an accelerator adapted to be carried by said post and comprising a reciprocatory foot rod, and means for transmitting the movement thereof to said throttle rod, said Y normal position after the operation thereof.

9. In combination with the throttle rod and steering'post throttle arm of amotor vehicle, an accelerator adapted to be carried by said post and comprising a pair of bell crank levers pivotally movable in mutually transverse planes, a toot rod having one end connected to one of said bell crank levers, a throttle rod connected to the other of said bell-crank levers, sockets at the ends of the other arms of said bell-crank levers,- a link having ball ends adapted to tit into said Vsockets to operatively connect said bellcrank levers whereby they may be simultaneously pivoted in mutually transverse planes and abutment means on one of said bell crank levers, adapted to be engaged by said throttle arm whereby the throttle mayv be controlled at said steering post.

l0. ln combination with the throttle rod and steering post throttle arm of a motor vehicle, a pair of accelerator supports adjnstably"connecting said throttle rod toA said bell crank levers, and means for adjustably connecting said foot rod to the other of said bell-crank levers.

1l. In combination with the throttle rod and steering post throttle arm of a motor vehicle, a pair of accelerator supports adapted to be carried on the steering post, a pair of bell-crank levers mounted on said supports so as to be pivotally movable in mutually transverse planes, connecting means between said bell crank levers connected to one arm of each of said bell-crank levers where by a pivotal movement of one of said bellcrank levers will be transmitted to pivotally move the other of said bell crank levers, a swivel on one of said bell-cranks, rotatable on an axis parallel to the pivotal axis of said bell-crank, a foot rod secured to said swivel and rotatably adjustable thereon in an axis transverse to said swivel axis, means for adjustably connecting said throttle rod to the other of said bell-crank levers, and means for adjustably connecting the foot rod to said swivel.

ln testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

y BURTON U. HILLS. 

